Gregory Keith Ortiz

I met Greg in 2006 or 2007 when he came to NJ to visit my now husband. We had a great time in NY, one of the cities Greg liked. As it turned out, we moved to CA a few years later and got to hang out with Greg a lot. Greg showed us all around LA when we arrived. He always knew great restaurants and places to take us, pointing out famous places. We enjoyed the San Pedro hostel, walking the piers at Huntington Beach and others, watching movies, and enjoying his company watching football and baseball. I just mentioned this week that we should call Greg to come over to watch the football playoffs this weekend. I am devasted to hear if his passing. Greg was like family for us in LA. We loved talking politics, church, sports, news, and family. He was always excited to travel to see them at Thanksgiving and Christmas. One of my favorite memories is watching him and Richard have so much fun playing catch, usually baseball...wherever, the hostel in Pedro, an empty field where he lived, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Greg had a good arm too! Will miss him, his generous spirit, kindness, and Christ-like character.

Greg was a good friend to me and my wife. My two-year old daughter also adored him.

Years ago, he helped me through some trying times in Cleveland TN, and I will always be in his debt. I will never forget him and the many memories we've shared together over the years. I am thankful that I was able to enjoy watching some baseball games with him in October.

I was on total shock when I heard the news about Greg. I was looking forward to seeing him again. Now I'll have to wait until we can rejoice in heaven with the rest of our families that have gone on before. What a glad reunion day that will be. Your family is in our prayers

Jerry W. Howard

Greg you have been a wonderful friend and "brotha from a different motha" to us! We enjoyed your visits at the house and had the pleasure of bringing you on board to be a part of our team! We will forever be indebted to WestEd for bringing our lives together! When we were in the process of hiring you as a part time Pest Control Tech for our family business, on your employee application you forgot to mention that you are: hardworking, loyal, friendly, very trustworthy and an AWESOME guy all the way aound! Keep smiling upon us!

Love always, your extended family, Dan, Debbie, Isreal, Maria & Ashley

Greg was such a gracious and kind person. I miss his smile and laughter. You will be forever missed and I know one day we will see you again. God bless,
Tracy, Sean & Ashley Haas

I did not know the adult Greg, but I babysat the little boy Greg and I remember a precious child with a kind spirit. My prayers and love go out to the Ortiz family.

Bro.& Sister Ortiz, I am sorry for your loss.Praying for you all.

The congregation of the Angleton COGOP sends condolences to the Ortiz family.

Pastor Ezequiel T. Garcia III

To know Greg was a true blessing to me. He was kind, thoughtful and
I always thought him a good friend. We always had good philosophical
talks on a variety of subjects. I will miss him. But in my heart I know he is in
heaven waiting for me.
Chris Vanderveer, Huntington Beach, CA

A great friend who was taken from us way too soon. Our lives are richer for having known such a wonderful man. I'll miss you Greg.

We will miss you Flora

"Grego", was an amazing person, fun, witty, and always, always happy. I'll fondly remember our work trips to Camarillo- the interesting conversation and especially the exploring we did on the way back to WestEd(who knew there was a "Malibu Lake"???) I'm looking forward to seeing Greg again...

Greg became more than my co-worker, he became my friend. You will be missed my friend. -Jon

My visits to WestEd will not be the same without your smile and friendly conversation. -Sheila

Greg, you were one of a kind. You had a quiet coolness about you. But I always knew there was a fire inside. I saw it when we played softball many years ago.
God speed my friend!

Rest in peace "Cochise", my softball teammate at Peerless Road. Memories will never be forgotten.

You will come across many people in life and they all have a purpose to fulfill. Greg touched us all and taught us so many things. Thank you for letting me share that small amount of time with you, Greg! I will miss all our talks about sports, movies and cultural activities. May you rest and peace.


"We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love... and then we return home."

Greg loved people. He was kind, thoughtful, and hardworking. I'll always remember his good humor, and the long discussions we had about football. I have a lot of respect for him. My condolences to the family.

I have worked with Greg for nearly a decade and have never met a more unconditional man. His charm and glow will be forever missed at WestEd. God bless his wonderful family. Rest in Peace Greg. We all loved you dearly.

Greg and I worked together for three years at the international hostel in San Pedro, California. Visitors to LA from all over the world would stay at the hostel, and Greg was always really open and welcoming to the guests, and loved learning about their different countries and cultures. He was a kind and warm-hearted man, who always seemed to maintain his youthful enthusiasm and a positive outlook on life. Rest in peace, Greg. My condolences to his family.

I'm so sad to hear the news of Greg's passing. He was always a joyful soul, very willing to help us at California Department of Fish and Wildlife; whenever, I asked his assistance. He will be gravely missed. My condolences to his family.
Sincerely, Gloria Hawks (CDFW Los Alamitos, CA)

Condolences with my deepest sympathy Ortiz family. Greg was one of the best people. I will miss him and his warm smile in the in the work place. May God keep and comfort you all through this time. God Bless

Greg was such a nice and friendly person. I will miss his smiley face! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Greg was a friendly, outgoing, helpful man who I saw almost daily in the halls of the West Ed building. I will miss his welcome presence. My condolences to the Ortiz family. It is clear that he was a very special person.

I'm deeply saddened by the news of Greg passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss him.

Haydee (CDFW Los Alamitos)

Greg was a warm & friendly person and a pleasure to know.

Greg was such a kind man with a hearth as big as Texas. Once you met Greg you had a friend for life. I will miss our daily conversations,his laughter and his presence. Greg was one of the nicest individuals that I had ever met and I will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace. Mark Shegich, WestEd, (Los Alamitos Ca office)

Greg always had a smile on his face and made sure people felt noticed, whether it was a work or on the softball field. My condolences to his family, Greg will be missed.

With my deepest condolences to the Ortiz Family. Greg was such a great guy, with a warm heart and a big smile. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
He would be miss in Los Alamitos office, he was always so courteous and happy to help everyone, may he rest in peace.

Jose P.

Some people you meet leave footprints on your heart. Greg was such a kind man with a happy, loving spirit that he left footprints eternally in my heart. He loved to laugh and his laughter was contagious. He loved his family and cared dearly for them and his friends. He is loved and will be missed...but 'I can dream about you' too Greg! Go with God and may He comfort your family as they grieve your loss. May your light always continue to shine bright.

Bishop & Sister Ortiz,

Anda Lee and I pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit during this time of your loss.You and Sister Ortiz are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Pastor Mike & Anda Lee Dempsey.

Don't know what to say except you will be missed. Wishing peace to his loved ones.

Eileen Price
Long Beach, CA

Please accept my deepest condolences. Greg, you'll be in my prayers. May you rest in peace. I know you'll be watching me when it's time to pick the ripe cherry guava.

m

Greg will be deeply missed in WestEd's Los Alamitos office. He went out of his way to be helpful to all the staff and he loved to share a good laugh. My thoughts and condolences to his family and friends.

We are at a loss for words during this sorrowful time. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort.

We love you,
Lathan and Kimberly Howard

My sincerest condolences to the family. Greg always greeted everyone with a big smile and warm hello - he will be missed.

Greg,play ball and have fun. You will now hit all home runs!

Let your light shine Greg. May you be forever surrounded with light, love and joyous peace.